Almost done!!!

First of all, I would like to say a special thanks to Gregch44 for giving me the inspiration for this project.  I have wanted a takedown rifle for some time now but never could quite find what I was looking for.  I wanted a compact package that I could have with me as a backup rifle during longer hunting trips, plus a behind the seat type rifle for when I go bow hunting.  In Oregon it is legal to hunt Bear or Cougar with a rifle during Elk and Deer bow season but I typically don’t’ carry a rifle in the truck because it takes up too much room and is kind of hard to keep out of sight in the truck when the truck is parked on some back country dirt road while I am three or four ridges away.  I have never had anything stolen while hunting but I don’t like to advertise what I have either.    

My friend has a BLR in 243 that we both have had fun with so when I found out Browning was making them in a takedown I decided I had to have one.  I bought 7mm-08 because I wanted it for deer and maybe bear.  Plus I didn’t have a rifle in this caliber yet and too many in 243 and 308.  I found a good deal and bought one.   An added bonus for me is using a scout scope, I’m a big fan of scout rifles and scout scopes anyway!!  The fact that the scope can stay on the barrel at all times makes me feel better that it will rezero when breaking it down over and over again.   Range report to follow in a few weeks!!

After seeing Gregch44’s guide guns and the amazing job he did on all of the details especially on the custom case, I decided my takedown needed to go to the next level.

First off is the rifle: Browning BLR lever action takedown in 7mm-08 with detachable box magazine.
The forward barrel mounted scout optic mount Browning made for these rifles is perfect for a Leupold Scout scope.  I had a Scout scope not being used which I had already had Leupold’s custom shop install the German #4 post style reticle so it makes for a nice fast shooting reticle great for brush gun type use.  I went with Warne QD rings so I can remove the scope if I desire but probably won’t any way.   The vertical split ring Warne uses seems to me like it might slightly better protect the scope for a blow from the top since they stick up higher than most rings, and I like the way they look too.

Second was the case I would be putting the whole package in.  Gregch44’s  custom case inspired me to find the shortest most form fitting case possible.  I even contacted a few companies about making a custom case but the cost and lead time was more than I was looking at.  I then ran across S.O. Tech’s Go bag which peak my interest.  I am also one of those guys who camouflage everything I can get my hands on.  I have had stocks for many of my rifles camo dipped over the years, so seeing the S.O. Tech Multicam Go bag was all the inspiration I needed to camo dip the stock set of my BLR to match the case.  So once I decided to go with the Multicam pattern, the rest was just a matter of searching and searching to put all of the pieces together.

I needed to be able to protect the two halves while stored in the bag.  S.O. Tech does make a padded insert for the Go bags, but it didn’t fit my needs very well.  So I even enlisted the help of my mother-in-law and her heavy duty sewing machine to make a custom sized spacer system for inside the Go Bag.  I went to my local fabric shop and bought some Coyote Tan Cordura and some 3/8” foam then had my mother-in-law sew it up for me.  It worked out perfect.  I even had a little extra room in the bag for ammo and a spare magazine.  So I bought a Tactical Tailor pouch for my spare magazine, in Multicam of course.

I also wanted to have a couple of boxes on ammunition in the bag too.  They fit nicely but I didn’t like the look of the cardboard ammo boxes in the bag so I search the internet and sure enough, I found the Eagle folding ammo pouches that hold 20 rounds each AND they make them in Multicam!!!  The Go bag did have three small outer pouches on the bottom of the bag that just got in the way so I cut them off to make for a more streamline package.   There are still long thin pockets on both sides of the bag that hold small flashlight (not Multicam but I’m looking for one), ear plugs, compass, whistle, matches, para cord, and other small miscellaneous survival type stuff.  I really like this bag.  It slings over one shoulder diagonally and carries very well.  It even has a pouch underneath if I decide to add a hydration bladder.  I will be getting one of the longer S.O. Tech extended version at a later date to make a similar type set up for a broken down AR15, but that will be another future thread!!

But I couldn’t stop here on this project.  I also have a heavy barrel 308 bolt action in Multicam.  And I have a Gemtech Sandstorm 308 suppressor at my local Class III dealer waiting for the ATF to approve for me.  I bought a Tab Gear Multicam suppressor cover for my Sandstorm so since I decided to make this package Multicam, I decided to set this rifle up for my suppressor too.  So I sent the barrel off to Gemtech to have the barrel shorted and threaded 5/8X24 for the Sandstorm.  I just got it back yesterday and couldn’t be happier with their work.  The barrel is now shortened to 17” with a nice fitted thread protector.  I went with 17” so when the suppressor is on the whole package is equivalent to having a 24” barreled rifle.  The Sandstorm being all Titanium, weighs less than 14 oz so it shouldn’t add much weight to the package.  

I made my own Multicam sling since I haven’t found one yet that I like.  It works but the webbing I made it from is not the right kind so I am not satisfied with it.  My search for the proper Multicam sling will continue!!


Here are some photos to go with my ramblings up above.  I hope others will be inspired by this as I was by Gregch44.

Bag closed with all goodies inside.


Open view.


All the goodies.


Assembled view


View with suppressor( well sort of, it is actually only the cover as I am still wating for the ATF)


Close up of the barrel work by Gemtech. I am very pleased!!


I will get to my Dealer’s shop and snap some photos with the actual Sandstorm installed next week.  I will post these up then.  My Dealer is a friend too so he and I should get out to the range sometime in the next few weeks when I will get to shot it with the Sandstorm while waiting for the ATF.

Your post is so full of win, it's oozing down into mine!

Kickass setup you have there!

EPIC WIN!

Way to go Lgunsmoker! That is a very nice set up you have put together there. I'm glad that my boys gave you the inspiration for the project. You realize, like me, that it is all about "the package" that really sets these off, grab and go.  I would say that on a scale of 1-10, you have taken this to an eleven. Congrats, and enjoy it.

Gregch44

Damn!  BEST BLR PACKAGE EVER!!!!!!!!

My poor, non-takedown BLR is incredibly jealous!

Fap fap fap. That's seriously cool.  

Thanks guys!!!
It is a fun project.  I now have photos with the actual Gemtech Sandstorm installed.  I still dont get to bring the Sandstorm home for another month or so depending on the speed of our Federal Government, but at least I got to play with it at my Class III dealer's shop yesterday.  I will post photos later tonight.
I am also in the search for a multicam knife and flash light for my package.  The search continues!!!!